Its mad really, as parents its easy to take every day things for granted. It wasn't until Harry's Diagnosis last year that I really sat down and take in just how special every moment is with the people with love. Harry is a probably one the strongest four year olds I know and I don't say that lightly. After coming though what he and his family been through and beating cancer it was wonderful and amazing to be invited to celebrate two extremely special celebrations.

I remember photographing Harry's First birthday here three years ago...A little boy I have been taking photos of before he was even here, and yet today meant so much. As a family friend it was amazing to see him playing and running about like any other four year old again, I can't begin to imagine how his parents and family feel knowing they finally have their 'Harry' back.

Like many mums (And a lot of my clients) at the moment, my first born is soon to be starting 'big' school in September. Today was really emotional as he had his pre-school graduation. Jude called this the time he has to wear the hat with the 'square on'. I wanted to share some photographs from the day and also say how amazing this nursery has been. More than four years ago I dropped my tiny 'baby' off, truly afraid and a mess. And yet I had nothing to worry about as they have loved him and helped him grow in so many ways. For many working mums the prospect of choosing a nursery is hard, and for me I am so glad I found this one. The staff here are amazing, my little boy has grown into such a loving, clever and thoughtful person. He has made some lovely friends who I am sure he will be so sad to leave, I can't recommend Dunky's enough. Special thanks for Harley, Kelly-ann and Johanna who have been the last of the many staff who have worked with Jude...we will be really sad to leave you all...and I am beyond grateful for all the time and effort you put in every day he has been in your care..x

We see them everyday, or at least I know I do. These beautiful 'angelic' images of a brand new baby beautifully wrapped in the arms of their very 'well behaved' sibling. I follow that many newborn photographers on Facebook and Instagram I am like a Serial Newborn photographer stalker! As simple and as perfect as the shots looks, sometimes (my judgement is about 90% of the time) its a little bit more tricky and a lot more hard work to get something that has the correct mix of emotion, reality and usability.

As a mum of two now I know first hand how hard it is getting that perfect sibling shot, even now my babies are getting a little bit older and the baby is more sturdy, its almost impossible to get two smiles, or a perfect cuddle. Hiring a professional sometimes is a great option and sometimes its all about letting them be and capturing something more natural. This image here is probably as 'natural' as it gets. This particular one I have up in my house as it makes me smile. 'My' children clearly are a little bit 'Camera Shy'. Anyone that knows me, knows how much I adore kids being kids and how much I love the more candid shots of my own babies.

We as mums (and dads) don't always have time or money to go the photographer to get a lovely sibling image and sometimes you just want a nice image for nana and grandad, so heres so few tips...

1. Take your time...

Its always very daunting for a new sibling when they become that 'big brother or 'big sister'. A lot of the newborn babies I photograph are between 3-16 days old, which in sibling time isn't a lot of time for them to 'get comfortable' with their new baby. You get siblings who are extremely excited and happy to hold, kiss and cuddle their newborn baby. And then theres the other side of the scale which is a nervous sibling who wants to cuddle mum and would quite happily cling to an iPad than be within an inch of this new baby who has taken over their world! (this type is my son Jude). Its all about taking time with them, easing in with maybe a parent in the = shot, letting them choose the parent they want to sit with etc. Children are much happier when they feel they are little bit in control.

2. Take away all the scary props..let them be.

A photography studio can be an extremely daunting place for a young child, clean backdrops and scary fluffy wool blankets. Not to mention a scary women with a camera in your face...Who you have probably never met before in your whole life! What if we take it all away and just let them be, ask them if they want to hold the baby? give them options so they feel in control, do they want to kiss the baby or give them a cuddle? Some of my favourite family/sibling shots have been from lifestyle sessions at home where we let the children be as close or as far away as they want, they are in their own environment and don't feel under pressure to 'Perform'.

3. Bribery - Wheres that biscuit tin!

I have heard it all, Maccie D's, Toy shopping, Cakes, and of course the classic 'Kinder egg'. If all else fails sometimes a little treat can do the trick as does the old - Its 'Just one photo' promise. Quietly turning my camera to continuous mode and hoping to get a good 20 images in a brief moment.

Even as an experienced newborn photographer and a mum. I don't always get these photographs exactly how I plan them and sometimes they are challenging to get perfect or even get at all. In some cases the less than perfect ones turn out the best ones.

Something I do love is that every single sibling shot is unique, every child is different, different ages, sometimes more than one, older, younger, some bold and some shy. Thats what also makes these Newborn Photographs so special.

So to conclude my little blog today heres some of my work when it has been a success...

And after a moan, a full on tantrum, and the promise of a yes a 'Kinder Egg', Jude decided his Newborn sister wasn't that bad after all....x

When did your little one last have professional photographs done? Did you miss the Newborn stage altogether?

Well...I am doing a huge discount on my sitter sessions (for those gorgeous babies age 6-10 months) for Feb and March 2017...theres a huge 50% off my main packages. The shoot is just £15 and includes a FREE 8"x6" print worth £45.

INCLUSIVE CAKE SMASH COMPETITION

If you upgrade to any of the packages with your sitter session your baby will automatically be entered into a draw to win...

In February my little business is 3 years old! wow where did that time go?!

Over that time lots of change has happened. I have grown so much within my myself, my work has evolved and changed I have become a Mummy 'again'! One thing that hasn't changed is how loyal and lovely my clients are and this year I am putting a huge focus on existing client rewards, including discounts, product promotions and promo shoot days!

So if your an existing client and you would love to be added to the list please pop your email and name here, I promise no spam or harassment just keeping you all up to date and most importantly rewarding you! As without my clients I wouldn't be able to do something I love everyday...

The big winter Newborn Photography promotion!

Are you looking for a newborn photographer? I am a northwest newborn photographer, specially trained in soothing, settling and posing safety,

If your expecting a baby in 2017 in January, February or March I am offering an exclusive 50% off my most popular Newborn photography plans.

Whats the catch?

There is non, you secure your space with a small retainer of £35 which comes off your remaining balance. You choose a plan and pay on the day of your session. Prints and products are with you with a few days.

What are the packages on sale?

How to book?

Get in touch to check availability, then simply pay your deposit of £35 to secure your space based on your due date, once your little one arrives we set a shoot day in their first 16 days.

Email : heather@heatherelizabethphotography.co.uk Tel: 07814201281

Gift vouchers? Yes packages or shoot fee can purchased as a gift voucher if your buying as a gift.

But yes here we are again, last year was mayhem and I loved every minute, this year I hope it will be just as busy, I am keeping it simple, there will be set dates and times, Weekday and Weekends.

Booking link is at the bottom of this page...

Set up? does it have to christmas themed?

No, I am keeping the sets fairly neutral for those who just want a nice timeless setting or if you want something more festive props will be available

Costumes?

As last year, please feel free to bring your little ones in a christmas get up if you want, these make extremely lovely photographs for you to capture them at this festive time! Christmas wear is not provided.

Packages?

Nice and simple. 4 packages all shown below, £25 to secure a session and you will get this back as credit! Balance's for packages will be due on the shoot day. Upgrades can be made after viewing.

Dates?

I am opening just 4 dates initially, more dates will be available shortly, if you would like to arrange a set day and time that isn't shown, please feel free to contact me.

Want to book?

Heres the link below .... any questions please contact me via Facebook or the contact form here on my website!

The majority of the time I am photographing Newborns, but from this age I do also do 'Sitter sessions' at 6-10 months, Cake Smash at 12 months and beyond that well I don't actually have a limit heres a recent shoot I did with these lovely three to show you my style when it comes to the ones who can walk and talk too!

My most common questions answered...

How much is a children's photo session?

Each photosessioin is just £25 (for up to 3 children) which covers the session, all editing and you even get your initial investment back towards the price list.

Prices?

I offer both packages and individual products, including digital only. All prices are up front there are no hidden fees or terms, a price list can be requested at any time. There is a minimum spend of £125.

Are you expecting your little bundle in November, December or January? Would you like a FREE £50 Voucher towards a newborn photosession?

What's the offer?

I have an exclusive number of £50 vouchers for anyone who secures their babies newborn session for the winter months! These can be used towards any 'Newborn package'

How do I secure a space and get a voucher?

Simply book your newborn session for just £15 today, this secures you a slot in your allocated month, and pays for your photosession. Your voucher will be sent out in the post please bring this along to your photosession.

What happens next?

When baby arrives simply get in touch and we set a Photoshoot day, and you when your photographs are ready you will get to use your £50 voucher towards any package newborn package.

Can I purchase this as a gift voucher?

Yes. Simply get in touch and a gift voucher can be sent blank for a friend or family member.

Secure you session here.

Its just £15 to secure a space, this covers your photo session & secures a space only.